Double murder in Odisha capital, doctor couple found dead

The city residents woke up to a blood curdling incident as a senior citizen couple was found murdered this morning in Odisha capital.

The retired doctor couple was found murdered in their house with injury marks on their neck.

The deceased duo has been identified as Dr Prafulla Mishra and Sushama Mishra. While Dr Prafulla Mishra was a retired ophthalmologist, his wife Dr Sushama Mishra was a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology.

The gory incident has taken place at VIM 608, Sailashree Vihar under Chandrasekharpur police station limits this morning while the elderly was alone in the home.

The couple had visited the Jagannath temple in the area this morning between 5.30 am to 6 am. They visit the temple daily as it is the month of holy Kartik. The incident occurred in the wee hours today after their return from the temple, a local resident said.

Twin City Commissioner Dr RP Sharma, Bhubaneswar DCP Satyabrata Bhoi and local police station staff rushed to the spot for investigation. Forensic team, along with sniffer dogs, has been pressed into service to aid in the investigation.

“We found the articles in the house scattered. It appeared as if they were searching for valuables, cash, jewellery and other things. The family members, however, said that there weren’t much valuables in the house. We are investigating into various aspects to find out the motive of the crime. We have kept the investigation open. A special team led by Bhubaneswar DCP would investigate the case,” Twin City Commissioner Dr RP Sharma said.

“There were injury marks on the neck of Dr Prafulla Mishra and it appeared that he was strangulated to death. Dr Sushama Mishra had head injury and she was hit with hard blunt weapon,” Sharma added.

It is suspected that the assailants might have committed the crime with loot intention as the couple was staying alone in the house.

The incident has put questions over the security of senior citizens in the Temple City as crime in the city is increasing alarmingly.